Destination Guide on Turkey

Turkey

Turkey is entirely fascinating, with cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages, and a rich history from Biblical times to the modern day. Situated on both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Turkey has cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. There are many great destinations to explore, from the melting pot of Istanbul, to the blue waters of the Azure Coast, caves of Cappadocia, and pools of Pamukkale just to name a few.

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Top Turkey Tours

See all top Turkey Tours
Tour
Turkish Delights - Friday Departures

Turkish Delights - Friday Departures

10 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,870 AUD
Tour
Marvellous Turkey - Saturday Departures

Marvellous Turkey - Saturday Departures

14 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,938 AUD
Tour
Gallipoli Express

Gallipoli Express

4 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $1,413 AUD
Tour
From Istanbul to the Coast

From Istanbul to the Coast

9 Days | Istanbul to Marmaris

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,667 AUD
Tour
Magical Turkey - Saturday Departures

Magical Turkey - Saturday Departures

14 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $5,128 AUD
Tour
North Bound Ex Kusadasi

North Bound Ex Kusadasi

5 Days | Kusadasi to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $1,540 AUD
Tour
Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Seven Churches of Asia Minor

9 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $4,445 AUD
Tour
Best of Turkey

Best of Turkey

11 Days | Istanbul to Antalya

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,640 AUD
Tour
Charming Turkey

Charming Turkey

11 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $4,550 AUD
Tour
Aegean Adventure

Aegean Adventure

9 Days | Istanbul to Bodrum

5
(21 Reviews)
From $4,419 AUD
Tour
Mediterranean Experience

Mediterranean Experience

8 Days | Marmaris to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,378 AUD
Tour
Turkish Discovery

Turkish Discovery

8 Days | Istanbul to Izmir

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,722 AUD
Tour
Western Shore

Western Shore

7 Days | Istanbul to Marmaris

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,958 AUD
Tour
Highlights of Turkey

Highlights of Turkey

6 Days | Istanbul to Denizli

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,503 AUD
Tour
Marmaris to Istanbul

Marmaris to Istanbul

6 Days | Marmaris to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $1,899 AUD
Tour
Aegean Shore

Aegean Shore

6 Days | Istanbul to Izmir

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,267 AUD
Tour
Wonders of Cappadocia

Wonders of Cappadocia

5 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,004 AUD
See All Turkey Tours

Top Turkey Packages

See all top Turkey Packages
Package
Taste of The Black Sea

Taste of The Black Sea

3 Days | Izmir to Izmir

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,038 AUD
Package
Taste of Cappadocia

Taste of Cappadocia

3 Days | Kayseri to Kayseri

5
(21 Reviews)
From $1,410 AUD
Package
Istanbul & Gallipoli

Istanbul & Gallipoli

5 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $1,775 AUD
Package
Istanbul & Ephesus

Istanbul & Ephesus

4 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,375 AUD
Package
Greek & Turkish Explorer

Greek & Turkish Explorer

14 Days | Athens to Istanbul

5
(57 Reviews)
From $4,185 AUD
Package
Gallipoli Overnight Tour | Guided Group Tour

Gallipoli Overnight Tour | Guided Group Tour

2 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $650 AUD
Tour
Gallipoli In Depth | Guided Group Tour

Gallipoli In Depth | Guided Group Tour

3 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,075 AUD
Package
Turkish Wonders

Turkish Wonders

9 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $5,238 AUD
Package
Charming Triangle

Charming Triangle

6 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,875 AUD
Package
Gallipoli & Ephesus

Gallipoli & Ephesus

6 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,450 AUD
Package
Gallipoli & Cappadocia

Gallipoli & Cappadocia

6 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $3,225 AUD
Package
Cappadocia Sampler

Cappadocia Sampler

5 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,575 AUD
Package
Cappadocia Discovery

Cappadocia Discovery

4 Days | Istanbul to Istanbul

5
(21 Reviews)
From $2,438 AUD

Why Book Turkey Tours with Sun Island Tours?

Tours guided in English only.

Selected tours stay in cave hotels.

Local operator available 24/7.

Guaranteed departures on all tours.

Turkey Tours Highlights & Experiences

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Istanbul

The largest city in Turkey is a metropolis where diverse cultures, nations and religions have created an intoxicating mosaic. Here you can visit many iconic buildings that were constructed in the Ottoman and Byzantian eras, such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. You will also be able to visit bazaars and enjoy the heights of Turkish cuisine.

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Cappadocia

A semi-arid region in central Turkey that is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” – tall, conical rock formations. The best way to survey the topography of this fascinating area is by hot air balloon!

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Pamukkale

Pamukkale is located in western Turkey, and features gleaming white calcite terraces cascaded by warm, mineral-rich thermal waters.

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Ephesus

Turkey’s most important ancient city, and one of the best preserved and restored ruins in the country. It is now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You can stroll for hours along its streets, passing temples, theatres, libraries and statues. Take a hat!

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Gallipoli

Gallipoli is the site of the World War I landing by Australian and New Zealand soldiers and has forever become part of both nations’ history. Thousands of travellers of all ages visit this important and sombre historical  and military site every year.

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Antalya

Antalya is a resort city that is the gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region. The Old City Marina is a waterfront area with old stone walls overlooking docked yachts, with restaurants, bars and shops. Sites to visit include Hadrian’s Gate, Duden Waterfalls, Hidirlik Tower, Antalya Museum, Kursunlu Waterfalls and Konyaalti Beach.

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Fethiye

Fethiye is a picturesque port city on Turkey’s Azure Coast that is known for its natural harbour, blue waters and numerous rock tombs – including the 4th century BC Tomb of Amyntas – carved into a bluff overlooking the city. Nearby islands are popular for day trips by boat. Other places to visit include the beach at Oludeniz, the nature reserve of Butterfly Valley and Tlos ruins.

Tours, Packages and Cruises in Turkey

Tours, Packages and Cruises in Turkey

Choose from our extensive range of travel options to ensure you get the best out of your time in Turkey.

  • Day Tours: Enjoy day tours from major cities such as Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia and more.
  • Escorted Coach Tour: Explore Turkey’s sites and cities hassle free on our fully escorted coach tours. Tours are guided in English only and guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 people. Some coach tours run as small group with a maximum of 28 people.
  • Partially Escorted Package Tours: Packages are a combination of escorted coach touring and independent travel. All packages are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 people and guided in English only.
  • Gulet Cruises: Cruise the Turkish Coast on a traditionally built wooden Gult cruise. Cruises anchor in secluded bays and coves which are not seen from land. Itineraries depart from either Marmaris, Bodrum or Fethiye and include all meals.
  • Tailor Made Holidays: Let us tailor make your next holiday to Turkey with a package that includes transfers, accommodation and day tours of your choice.

 

Turkey Tours, Packages & Cruises Selection Tips

Find some of our top tips for choosing the perfect trip for you!

A temporary visitor’s visa is required for all Australian passport holders which must be obtained online at www.evisa.gov.tr.
April to June and September to November are the best months to visit as the days are sunny and the nights are cool, while July and August are hot and dry.
Turkish cuisine is vegetarian friendly.
Credit cards are accepted in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. However, always carry cash or small change for taxi fares, tips for waiters and public bathrooms.
Bottled water is recommended. The quality of tap water varies from region to region but it is not used for drinking purposes.
The locals are avid tea drinkers. As you head towards the historic neighbourhoods of Istanbul or to smaller towns in Turkey, be prepared to drink several cups of tea every day. It’s not unusual for shopkeepers to offer tea while you shop.
It is recommended that females travel with a shawl or scarf (to cover their hair) in case of travel to a conservative area or a mosque.
For information around travel advise, passports and visas for the Australian traveller, please visit the Smart Traveller website for Turkey at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkiye/

How to Get to Turkey

There are no direct flights from Australia to Turkey, at least one stop over is required. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates fly into Istanbul.

Ferries operate from Kos to Bodrum, Rhodes to Marmaris and Samos to Kusadasi. All routes are approximately an 1 hour long and are subject to season and weather.

Contact our Turkey Experts

Our team bring years of experience, and a true passion for travel.
Meet the team that bring your dream journey to life.

Olivia
Olivia
Senior Reservations Consultant

Olivia has travelled throughout Croatia, both touring on a coach, as well as cruising throughout the Adriatic Islands.

Contact
John
John
General Manager

Being Greek Cypriot, John knows Cyprus. Contact him for information around Cyprus including Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Troodos, Protaras, Ayia Napa and the Northern Region.

Contact
Britt
Britt
Reservations Consultant

Britt has travelled throughout Egypt, including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh; as well as cruising down the Nile.

Contact
Georgia
Georgia
Reservations Consultant

Georgia loves Portugal. Whether you are looking at a short stay or touring around Portugal; contact Georgia for more info.

Contact
Maryanne
Maryanne
Confirmations
Contact
Yvette
Yvette
Confirmations

Yvette has travelled on both religious and cultural tours throughout Israel and the Holy Land, for over 30 years.

Contact

Reviews for Turkey

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Elizabeth Rivera
The best tour I have ever done!

Review for: Turkish Delights - Friday Departures

The best tour I have ever done! Our tourist guide and driver were both so nice courteous and friendly. Yusuf our toirist guy was so knowledgeable and professional. We visited many cities, he provided us with a brief of what we were going to be doing during our 7 day tour the first day we arrived. From 4-5 star hotels, hiking, visiting museums, sightseeing and hot air balloon adventures... it was all wonderful and something I would definitely recommend for anyone to experience. I'm in love with Turkey and the beauty that's there.
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Levi Bic
Tour was great!

Review for: From Istanbul to the Coast

Tour was great! Wait times at the stops was minimal and the lunch spot was excellent! Tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable. Got free time at each stop to take pictures and enjoy the sites.
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Antoinette
Marvellous Turkey

Review for: Marvellous Turkey - Saturday Departures

What a sensational tour.  Highly recommended. Best way to tour in a small group and what an amazing tour guide.  Reggie what absolutely brilliant. Thank you.